title: Boron nitride nanotubes coated with organic hydrophilic agents: stability and cytocompatibility studies.
abstract: In the present study, Boron Nitride Nanotubes (BNNTs) were synthesized and functionalized with organic hydrophilic agents constituted by glucosamine (GA), polyethylene glycol (PEG)1000, and chitosan (CH) forming new singular systems. Their size, distribution, and homogeneity were determined by photon correlation spectroscopy, while their surface charge was determined by laser Doppler anemometry. The morphology and structural organization were evaluated by Transmission Electron Microscopy. The functionalization was evaluated by Thermogravimetry analysis and Fourier Transformer Infrared Spectroscopy. The results showed that BNNTs were successfully obtained and functionalized, reaching a mean size and dispersity deemed adequate for in vitro studies. The in vitro stability tests also revealed a good adhesion of functionalized agents on BNNT surfaces. Finally, the in vitro cytocompatibility of functionalized BNNTs against MCR-5 cells was evaluated, and the results revealed that none of the different functionalization agents disturbed the propagation of normal cells up to the concentration of 50 μg/mL. Furthermore, in this concentration, no significantly chromosomal or morphologic alterations or increase in ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) could be observed. Thus, findings from the present study reveal an important stability and cytocompatibility of functionalized BNNTs as new potential drugs or radioisotope nanocarriers to be applied in therapeutic procedures.
authors.affiliation: Serviço de Nanotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear CDTN/CNEN, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6.627, Campus da UFMG, Pampulha, CEP 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
authors.forename: Tiago Hilário
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Ferreira
authors.forename: Daniel Crístian Ferreira
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Soares
authors.forename: Luciana Mara Costa
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Moreira
authors.forename: Paulo Roberto Ornelas
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: da Silva
authors.forename: Raquel Gouvêa
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: dos Santos
authors.forename: Edésia Martins Barros
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: de Sousa
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D001896:Boron Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D002460:Cell Line; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D048271:Chitosan / Q000737:chemistry; D002875:Chromosomes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D005944:Glucosamine / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D043942:Nanotubes / Q000737:chemistry*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001896:Boron Compounds; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; C017282:boron nitride; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D048271:Chitosan; D005944:Glucosamine
keywords: Hydrophilic functionalized boron nitride nanotubes; Physicochemical and morphological characterization; Stability and cytocompatibility studies